noun
merit; meritorious deed; service
Refers to a praiseworthy act or contribution, often in formal or historical contexts. Common in phrases like 功を立てる (to perform a meritorious deed) and 功績 (achievements).
彼は会社に大きな功を残した。
He left a great merit to the company.
戦場で功を立てた兵士が表彰された。
The soldier who performed a meritorious deed on the battlefield was commended.
noun
achievement; accumulated experience
Emphasizes the result of effort or the experience gained through long practice. Often used in compound words like 功を積む (to accumulate achievements/experience).
長年の功が認められて昇進した。
He was promoted in recognition of his years of achievement.
彼は研究に功を積み、ついに新薬を開発した。
He accumulated experience in research and finally developed a new drug.